Scattered Pictures

[neke]

(Inspired by this comment at iconsecrets.)

Take us on a stroll down memory lane. (Illustrated by icons is optional.)

How did you get into making icons?
What advice/iconmaking tips/places to go to/etc. would you give yourself if you could go back in time?
(Or if you were a newbie again.)
Tell us about the first icons you ever made, or show us.
(Alternatively, the oldest icons you saved. ;)

Or anything else you'd like to add. :)